French influence thrives in Kuwait, with Sheikh Nasser praising the worldwide impact of the French language.
In a festive gathering teeming with class and cultural reverence, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah passionately expressed his heartfelt wishes for a deepening of cultural ties between Kuwait and the Francophone world.
Speaking at a grand ceremony, under his patronage, held at the French Ambassador's residence—rounding off Francophonie Month 2025 (April 13-30)—His Highness exalted the richness, profound beauty, and enduring impact of the French language and Francophone culture.
Emphatically, he declared, "Francophonie transcends mere linguistic affinity—it embodies an extraordinary cultural legacy that has enlightened minds and moulded civilizations."
Nostalgically reflecting on his extensive participation in Francophone celebrations in Kuwait, His Highness articulated his admiration for Francophonie's enduring contributions to contemporary global thought, fostering intercultural dialogue, and championing intellectual and aesthetic diversity in a globalizing world.
Praising the French language as a beacon of reason and sophistication, he underlined its inherent lucidity and precision, earning it the name, "the language of logical exactitude." These characteristics, he explained, have made it indispensable in philosophy, law, and diplomacy. The steadfast preservation of the French language's structural harmony and intellectual rigor by the French Academy since the 17th century, he added, has been pivotal.
Revealingly, he continued, "French is not merely a language of intellect, but of exquisite musicality and aesthetic rhythm—its eloquent cadence adorns the arts of poetry, music, and storytelling." Its formal elegance and structural balance, he pointed out, have given it a distinctive gravitas, particularly in political and cultural expression, allowing it to articulate abstract philosophical notions with remarkable simplicity, especially during the Enlightenment era.
Expounding on the French language's historical significance in the European intellectual heritage, he described it as the medium of choice for kings, ambassadors, and thinkers across the continent, from the 17th to the late 19th century. "Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Montesquieu, Pascal—their enduring wisdom permeated French," he emphasized, accentuating the language's key role in promoting ideals such as rationalism, tolerance, and human rights.
Conveying that French has spawned a spectacular array of literary and artistic masterpieces—from the novels of Balzac and Flaubert to the theatrical prowess of Molière and Corneille to the lyrical visions of Baudelaire and Rimbaud, he declared, "Indeed, no other language has garnered as many Nobel Prizes in Literature." French culture continues to shape global art, fashion, and cinema, through the Impressionists' brushstrokes and the revolutionary lens of the French New Wave.
Climactically, His Highness concluded, "Francophonie embodies not just a vehicle of words, but a noble edifice of cultural memory, intellectual refinement, and humanist values." He underscored French's persisting importance as a language of diplomacy and international discourse, gracing institutions such as the United Nations with its authority and eloquence.
Emphasizing Kuwait's devotion to cultural plurality, His Highness pledged the country's commitment to fostering a flourishing Francophone presence, ensuring that Kuwait remains a fertile oasis of knowledge and creativity. "Our doors will remain open wide to the finest expressions of global culture, from which we draw inspiration and mutual enrichment," he vowed.
His Highness expressed immense enthusiasm over the global presence of the French language—from the icy shores of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon to the tropical coastlines of New Caledonia and Haiti, from the expansive Canadian plains to the vast African continent. "May it continue to flourish," he hoped, "extending its resonance even to the polar extremes of our world."
During the ceremony, the French Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Olivier Goffin, lauded the collective spirit imbued in this year's Francophonie celebrations. He attributed the events' vibrant and inclusive nature to the collaborative efforts of the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie—with 44 diplomatic missions working tirelessly together—especially in light of Kuwait's distinction as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025.
"Francophonie," the Ambassador reiterated, "embodies values of inclusion and cultural richness. Spoken by over 320 million people across more than 130 countries, including half a million in Kuwait alone, the French language fosters a united global dialogue."
Stressing that Francophonie is not an instrument of uniformity, but a celebration of cultural diversity, he highlighted its thriving presence in Kuwaiti schools, where over 50,000 students study French annually.
Magnificently launched on April 13, the "Francophonie Lives" festival featured a mesmerizing mosaic of French-language cultural events, art, and performances, uniting voices from around the world in celebration of a shared heritage.
- His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, acknowledging the thriving presence of French in Kuwaiti schools, highlighted that over 50,000 students study the language annually, showcasing Francophonie's vibrant presence in the country's educational landscape.
- In 2025, under His Highness's patronage, Francophonie Month will climax with a grand ceremony at the French Ambassador's residence, a celebration that will underscore Kuwait's commitment to fostering a flourishing Francophone presence and upholding cultural plurality.
- Embracing the notion of sustainable living, His Highness envisions a future where the modern home and garden harmoniously intertwine with Francophone culture, showcasing a blend of aesthetics and eco-consciousness that will resonate worldwide.
- By 2025, His Highness hopes that the French language will continue to expand, reaching even the polar extremes of our world, thereby emphasizing the essential role it plays in fostering global dialogue and enriching the notions of lifestyle, home-and-garden, and sustainable living.
